Is Eyelid Surgery An Outpatient Procedure?

Are there any procedures that will lift up the outer corners of my eyes, so that I do not have a sad "puppy dog" look? How much do these procedures generally run? Are there any outpatient procedures that would correct this problem? Would you recommend them, or do you think that the risk is not worth the pay off?

Is eyelid surgery an "outpatient" procedure?

August 25th, 2011

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Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is often performed as an outpatient procedure. Our practice usually offers upper eyelid surgery as an "office procedure" under local anesthesia using a small dose of Valium by mouth to help patients relax. We prefer deeper sedation when performing most types of lower eyelid surgery. Patients usually return home or spend the night in a nearby motel if they are from out-of-town. Now when combined with an additional surgery such as facelift surgery or rhinoplasty (nose) surgery, the anesthesia is longer and it might be wise to monitor the patient at the surgery facility or hospital for a longer time afterwards. But "outpatient" does not mean that a rumba dance contest or amorous lovemaking or working out at the local spa is acceptable that evening. It is very important to keep a quiet profile for a few days to decrease the risk of complications and prolonged healing. Should there be any undesirable symptoms the evening, outpatient or not, especially involving a change in vision or marked pain, it is critical to be able to get in contact with your surgeon ASAP!

Eyelid Surgery Pictures

Upper eyelid surgery: can it be done in the surgeon's office?

June 14th, 2011

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Upper eyelid rejuvenation is one of the few surgeries that can be performed in the office, under local injection of numbing medicine, and while fully awake. Usually, excess droopy skin is removed to improve the shape of the eyelid - when done well, this is safe, effective, and long-lasting. However, you shouldn't just run into the doctor's office and sign up for surgery! Careful evaluation of other regions of the face are warranted. If the eyebrows are too low, causing the eyelid skin to sag, you may benefit from a browlift procedure (which needs to be done in the operating room). If the eyelids are droopy and interfere with vision (this is called "ptosis," pronounced "toe-sis"), you may need to have the eyelids repositioned. Ensure that you seek consultation with a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery who does a lot of these procedures to ensure a safe and beautiful result. Good luck!

Is Eyelid Surgery An Outpatient Procedure?

June 12th, 2011

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Yes, eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning you will go home the same day. We even perform the majority of our eyelid procedures under local anesthesia, which makes the entire process even simpler. As far as your specific concerns about "puppy dog" or other cosmetic questions, there's no substitute for a consultation. The costs vary based on the procedure(s).

Canthoplasty or canthopexy with Bleparoplasty can lift the outer corner of the eyelids to correct sad eye or puppy dog eyes look

June 11th, 2011

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The sad eyed look or puppy dog eyes usually refers to a downward slant to the outer corners of the eyes. This often occurs after lower eyelid Blepharoplasty using and external eyelid incision but also can be a normal variant of eyelid shape.

A procedure called a Canthoplasty or Canthopexy can be done to lift the outside corners of the eye to correct the sad eyed or puppy dog eyes look. The tendon of the lower eyelid is lifted to a higher position to create an upward slant to the eyelid. See an experienced Plastic Surgeon who does a lot of eyelid surgery. This is an advanced technique.

Eyelid Surgery is Always Outpatient or Same Day Surgery

June 11th, 2011

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Generally most cosmetic surgery is outpatient or same day surgery which doesn't require admission to a hospital or an overnight stay. Eyelid surgery alone is always outpatient with a relatively quick recovery and minimal bruising and swelling. It is difficult to tell what you mean by "lifting the corner of the eyes" or "correcting the puppy dog look" without some photos. Generally the structures around the eyes like the brow and cheek in addition to the upper and lower eyelids can effect the way your eyes look. Procedures that effect the brow like an endoscopic brow lift, or the cheek like an endoscopic midface lift, cheek implants or microfat transfer can help the look around the eyes much more when combined with eyelid lifts and may be required to help the downturned, sagging or "puppy dog" eyelid appearance to which you refer.

Eyelid Surgery is almost always an Outpatient Procedure

June 9th, 2011

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Eyelid surgery is almost always done on an outpatient basis -- in an ambulatory surgery center, an outpatient facility at a hospital or a surgeon's office. The type of anesthesia depends on the details of the procedure.

It's not possible to say anything useful about what specific surgical options would be optimal for you without a careful evaluation.

Knowing that your surgeon is very experienced in approaching problems similar to yours is very important, as is your comfort level with the options and explanations which you are given by the surgeon.

Correction of "puppy dog look "

June 9th, 2011

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Dear Kelia21,
Many patients complain about their periorbital aging. Without photos it is impossible to answer your question. Often my patients focus on their upper eyelid skin excess. Often there is lower eyelid and weak cheek projection which add to their deformity. Seek more opinions. Your PS's exam is critical to help correct your concerns. Good luck

Upper eyelid surgery can remove excess eyelid skin

June 9th, 2011

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Depending on the position of your eyebrows, the excess upper eyelid tissue could be from the upper eyelids or the eyebrows. The difference is determined, during consultation, by placing he eyebrows in the ideal aesthetic position and observing what happens with the upper eyelid fullnesss.

If it all goes away, the fullness is due to low eyebrows alone and the procedure would be a Brow Lift. If the fullness remains, with the brows in the ideal position, the fullness is excess upper eyelid skin and an upper eyelid surgery is the procedure. If there is a combination, then 1 or both procedures could be performed. Both Brow Lifts and Eyelid Surgery are performed as an outpatient, in our facility and take about 1 hour for each.

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as
a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you
have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute
or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.